In a recent last-ditch effort to persuade Parkrun’s CEO and founder to change their minds about removing statistics and other competitive elements from the global 5K series, a group of runners and event organizers met with the company to plea their case.
It did not go well.
Representatives of the Bring Back the Stats group and Parkrun officials left the meeting with Parkrun CEO Russ Jeffreys and founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt with a sense that the company was still clearly at odds with thousands of runners who saw their stats get erased and their accomplishments dimminished in favour of a new organizational strategy meant to appeal to more recreational runners who are not comfortable with the competitive aspect of the series.
According to Bring Back the Stats representatives Will Hartley, Mary Taylor, and Alexander Smotrov, the meeting did not go well. And it also revealed that Parkrun seems focused on further removing all competitive aspects of the popular global weekly 5K series.
What’s Been Going On So Far?
A couple months ago, the higher-ups at Parkrun sent an email to Parkrun volunteers, sharing that they will no longer publish certain data on its website, including course records, first finishes, and age-graded or category records.
Jefferys said the adjustments aim to create a more inclusive environment by reducing the emphasis on competitive performance metrics. He also noted that the decision comes amidst efforts to eliminate potential barriers to participation and registration.
While some within the Parkrun community have voiced support for these changes, others, including multiple former Parkrun event directors, have expressed concerns about potential impacts on long-term participant motivation, and that the organization is erasing the accomplishments of thousands of runners worldwide.
What’s This Petition About?
In response to Parkrun’s decision to remove records, an online petition was launched on change.org to reinstate statistics for all Parkrun events. The petition, which was created by Mary Taylor on Feb. 9, 2024, has already amassed over 26,000 signatures, and reads as follows:
“This petition is about the removal of the course data that was displayed on the Parkrun website, such as ‘Age Category Records’ ‘Fastest 500’ ‘First Finishers’ and ‘Sub 17 and Sub 20’ (5k Parkrun) for each individual Parkrun and junior Parkrun.
My son, like many other runners, has seen his course achievements vanish overnight. The removal of statistics from Parkrun has left a void in the hearts of many participants. These stats are not just numbers; they represent personal milestones and progress that inspire runners of all abilities to push their limits.
Statistics have always been an integral part of Parkrun. They provide a tangible measure of improvement and motivate participants to keep striving for better results. For my son and countless others, these stats serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The decision to remove these statistics is disheartening, especially for those who rely on them as motivation or use them as benchmarks for their fitness goals. Without these stats, the essence of friendly competition and self-improvement that Parkrun embodies is lost.
We understand that changes may be necessary at times but believe this particular change negatively impacts the community spirit inherent in Parkrun events. We urge the management team at Parkrun to reconsider this decision and reinstate these statistics for all participants.
Please sign this petition if you believe in the importance of maintaining records that celebrate personal achievement and foster a sense of community among runners everywhere.
Bring back the stats!
Despite quickly garnering over 26,000 signatures, Jefferys penned an open letter justifying the organization’s decision to stop displaying certain performance-related statistics on its website.
The organization claims these efforts are aimed at eliminating potential barriers to participation and registration. Jeffreys emphasizes Parkrun’s core mission of inspiring those from all backgrounds to come together for social and active engagement in the great outdoors.
What’s Going On Now?
Despite Bring Back the Stats efforts to express the significance of the statistics to many Parkrun participants, Jeffreys asserted that Parkrun had no intention of reinstating the statistics.
He also disclosed the organization’s commitment to a five-year expansion plan aimed at broadening participation and community outreach.
Mary Taylor, a member of Bring Back the Stats said in a statement: “Russ stated that there was no way that the stats would be brought back, and Parkrun was very comfortable with their decision. He talked about their five-year plan, that they could have chosen to stay the same size, but instead want to expand to reach more people.”
“He explained their beliefs of the barriers to participation, of many people not understanding that it is not a race, and wishing to benefit and reach those who might not be currently active. He said it fitted in with Parkrun’s ethos.”
Sinton-Hewitt, Parkrun’s founder, further downplayed the significance of the Bring Back the Stats movement, labeling the number of petition signatories as “minuscule,” despite amassing over 26,000 signatures and suggesting that individual dissatisfaction would not sway Parkrun’s decisions.
The Bring Back the Stats group highlighted the extensive support from long-term Parkrunners, including run directors and event organizers. However, Parkrun officials dismissed the notion that longevity or involvement warranted greater influence in decision-making processes.
“For each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave Parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.”
Parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt
When pressed on why Parkrun wouldn’t heed community feedback, Sinton-Hewitt reiterated Parkrun’s top-down decision-making approach, stating that the organization’s charter dictated their operational structure.
Sinton-Hewitt said in the meeting, “For each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave Parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.”
In discussions about future changes, Parkrun officials hinted at plans to further limit public access to individual runner data, citing privacy concerns and the organization’s evolving vision. This vision includes a shift towards more individual-focused statistics and challenges, with a reduced emphasis on comparative data between participants.
While Russ Jeffreys expressed willingness to improve communication and explore avenues for Parkrunner involvement in decision-making, no concrete commitments were made regarding the reinstatement of course statistics.
Parkrun’s future trajectory suggests a continued shift towards less public data access and a greater emphasis on individualized metrics.
Despite the disappointment expressed by the Bring Back the Stats group, they said in an emial to MH that they are committed to respectful engagement and advocacy for the reinstatement of course statistics within the Parkrun community.
What Does This Mean For Parkrun?
In discussing future developments, Parkrun officials presented several potential changes without definitive commitments.
Jeffreys highlighted concerns regarding data security, stalking, and privacy arising from publicly available results data. Parkrun envisions restricting access to individual runner data, allowing only personal results and event outcomes visible upon login.
Additionally, plans include incorporating social features akin to platforms like Facebook or Strava, enabling users to “befriend” or “follow” other runners, with mutual friends accessing limited statistical information.
With so many runners disappointed with the lack of statistics being made available, it forces the question as to whether or not we will see a “new Parkrun,” where individuals come together for a free timed 5K on the weekends, or if there will be a decline in participation among Parkruns now.
Having studied corporate governance, Parkrun is ticking boxes that lead to failure.
When you are leading an organisation that believes success can continue with a different recipe despite current users discontent you will create competition.
I agree. It is more the arrogance of “For each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave Parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.” Parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt. Considering 26,000 signed the petition.
Question I have now is why have officials timing your run, etc. In fact, why have any volunteers present at all? They have been the backbone of the parkruns. Why bother at all really?
Exactly, why bother?
Where is the sense of achievement going to come from? How will it be experienced? It’s utter cobblers, it’s not inclusive if it’s of no interest
I have been doing Parkrun on and off for about 10 years but as I am out of the country a lot, not on many occasions.
I won’t be doing one again. This whole “inclusive” is just nonsense. My record Parkrun (Worcester – a lovely course) was 23:04. I was not concerned at all or “excluded” because some chap came in at 17:43. Rather I was in awe. Indeed, someone in my own age group came in sub 20 and my thought was, “if he can do that maybe I can”. 23:04 is still my time to beat and even at the age of 63 my target is to do a sub 20 min 5k. It just won’t happen during a Parkrun, which is a shame.
As for Paul Sinton-Hewitt statement:
“For each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave Parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.”
The just …k off is implied if not said. The arrogance is unbelievable.
As a former competitive runner with a 5k pb of 14,19 I enjoyed the competitive element of Park run. The powers that be have destroyed the very essence of Parkrun. Bring back the stats!!
I still go to parkrun when I’m not racing but the sudden removal of statistics has reduced my enjoyment of it enormously.I was justly proud of my 4 mv65 course records and was really looking forward to adding as many mv70 records during the second half of the year as possible.Now, I have little motivation to run my local course ‘eyeballs out’ and zero reason to get up early and travel to other courses.What’s the point if there isn’t a record to attempt ? Numbers of parkruns and participation in them increase all the time.It’s so simple,friendly and inclusive,anyone can turn up and do it.This needless show of dictatorial , executive power is the one and only thing that this otherwise wonderful movement has done to upset me.
The friendly-competitive aspect of Parkrun as I’ve met it, is a great motivator and causes no exclusion. The fast naturally shoot out in front. Let them set records and enjoy them.
The rest of us are inspired, and the finish line mix has more sameness than difference, down to all chatting and sipping coffee in sweaty t-shirts. Walkers complete the inclusive range, and volunteers carry that healthy attitude right to the last barcode scanned. Nobody is turned away. ‘Elitism’ fails. Parkrun is a success.
I don’t see a need for this change. Our local Parkrun has grown immensely. In fact, the growing numbers alone make it silly to take times too seriously, starting in a crush and struggling to pass on a narrow track.
No, I don’t get it.